Winter sun destinations at their best – is now the perfect time to buy property in Chamonix?

Winter sun destinations at their best – is now the perfect time to buy property in Chamonix?

France ,

 

  • Flurry of new homes at excellent prices on market in Chamonix (FrenchEntrée)
  • Prices up 2.3% in Chamonix over past year (Knight Frank)
  • €477 million, 40-year investment plan laying solid foundations for future price growth (FrenchEntrée)

Knight Frank’s new Ski Property Report 2018-19 has provided an encouraging snapshot of the French market’s performance in the year to June 2018. None of the French resorts that the company monitors recorded a decline in prices over the year, with Val d’Isère and Chamonix recording the healthiest rises, of 3.0% and 2.3% respectively.

The uptick in prices makes now the ideal time to buy in Chamonix, according to specialist French property agents FrenchEntrée.

“We’re seeing some lovely new Chamonix properties come onto the market at the moment, and our expectation is that prices in the area should continue rising over the next year or two at least. Chamonix has some excellent investments in the pipeline, which should serve to drive up property prices in the coming years and ensure it keeps its place as one of the most attractive regions of the Alps.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

Chamonix’s future plans include a new lift at Grand Montets and 10-seater gondola at Flegere and a renovated lift station at Le Tour. The upgrades are part of a €477 million, 40-year investment plan, which – according to Knight Frank – means the resort is well positioned in terms of potential property price rises.

“Knight Frank’s Ski Property Index has confirmed the link between a resort’s investment in its infrastructure (ski lifts, hotels, spas, non-ski activities etc) and its property market’s performance.” 

Ski Property Report 2018-19, Knight Frank

Those buying second homes in Chamonix not only have an idyllic ski resort on their doorstep, they also have excellent income potential as a result of their purchase. During the high season, a four-bedroom chalet in Chamonix can command a rental income of €4,600 per week, with occupancy averaging 90-100%. In low season, occupancy of 60% is realistic.

“As confirmed by the latest Knight Frank ski report, Northern Europeans – in particular those from Scandinavia and the Benelux countries – are showing growing interest in skiing in the Alps. This is against a background of an improving French economy, making now a particularly interesting time for buyers to look closely at Chamonix’s property market.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

In terms of properties available, Chamonix buyers have some superb options. Brand new on the market and priced at €8.95 million is Le Lustre, a duplex apartment in the historic the Pas de Chevre building in the very centre of Chamonix’s pedestrian area. Four years in the creation, the apartment offers four en-suite bedrooms, 360 degree views of the mountains and a sizeable roof terrace in an unsurpassed location.

Also new to the market is Chalet les Nants. Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix, and at the extremely reasonable price of €1.8 million, the four-bedroom chalet is spread over three floors and offers a magnificent family home, including an open-fire, a large, south facing terrace with hot tub and views of Mont Blanc.

A 10-minute drive from Chamonix, at the lovely family resort of Les Houches, prices are even more reasonable. Chalet Lothier costs just €1.245 million. The large, light-filled chalet includes four bedrooms, living room with open fire place, pool room and cinema room. The decent-sized garden and balconies provide plenty of space for enjoying the spectacular mountain views.

Of course, Chamonix prices aren’t for everyone. Thankfully, there are other areas of the French Alps that have excellent potential, for more affordable prices.

“The area around Lake Geneva is home to some superb ski properties, with stunning views and easy access to a host of facilities. The presence of the lake, and its associated activities, means that those properties also have excellent dual-season appeal. The up and coming resort of Bourg St Maurice is also well worth investigating, as it has great potential both in terms of future property price increases and rental appeal.”

Alistair Lockhart, Property Director, FrenchEntrée

Homes by Lake Geneva can be picked up for well under €1 million. Just five minutes from the centre of Evian, this captivating, three-bedroom chalet boasts superb lake views and is on the market for just €795,000. Over in Bourg St Maurice, a beautiful, centrally located, four-bedroom apartment can be picked up for as little as €520,000.

 

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.